Very good read!!

http://www.bloomberg.com/media/markets/ford.pdf

 

Printed it. Reading it at lunch. Thanks!

 

Nice read. Thanks for posting it. There are a few areas of the article that I found interesting.

1- I think Bill Ford is doing a nice job as CEO. I like the fact that he has gotten rid of some of the older executives who contributed to Ford's poor performance in previous years, and promoted promising younger execs "who will be around long enough to live with the results of their decisions".

2- The fact that Ford has invested so much in modernizing its production techniques, by opening new, technologically advanced plants and incorporating many of the manufacturing techniques (flexible manufacturing and modular methods) that have been developed by Mazda and Volvo, is encouraging.

3- From the article, the Mustang sounds like its going to be a great vehicle. But I am a bit curious about a referenced Phil Martens comment related to the solid rear axle. The article stated that "the solid rear axle decision saved $300 per car, or as much as $1.5 billion dollars over the projected 25-year lifespan of the new Mustang design". Is this insinuating that Ford plans to use this new platform for 25 years, like the Fox platform? I hope not. I was also troubled by the fact that Ford was seriously debating whether to use an updated version of the 25 year old Fox platform (which would have been very discouraging) instead of the new modified version of the Thunderbird's platform (which fortunately we ended up getting).

4- The article also referenced that the decision to use a solid rear axle instead of an IRS was made in order get the car released quicker (it was way behind schedule), and the cost saved by using the solid rear axle was an added benefit of making the decision.

 

if there is an upside to this - u can read into it that Ford plans to have the mustang around for at least another 25 years

also 1.5B / 25Y / 300 = 200,000 units/year - thats live axle units - IRS units not counted yet

 

Good read,

although I am sure if this chassis does last 25 years there will be major overhauls, I am also positive that they haven't planned that far down the road yet, especially when the automotive market is changing so quicky, I doubt you could design a chassis and say "that oughtta shut em up for another 25 years"

 

Or is it really THAT good?

 

Or is it really THAT good? [/b][/quote]
I am sure the chassis is good... that is too long ahead to worry about.

I am more concerned about the next 8 months, for the day when I pick the car up

 

Its just good to know that we'll be having IRS vs. live-axle discussions for 25 more years. :bang:

Hey Brad, can we have personalized countdowns to our expected purchase date?

 

Interesting article. It started out as a rehash of info. that has been around for a while but then got in to a lot of info. that I hadn't seen before. Thanks for the link, Evil.

 

No problem.

I think my favorite part is where Yukitoshi Funo (Head of Toyota's U.S. Sales Arm) states "Ford is Drifting", and Bill isn't the man for the job!

There are some reports that Toyota's quality is slipping. Enough to detract from their continuing onslaught . . . probably not, but nontheless slipping. There is only a 26 problem difference between Toyota and Ford per 100 vehicles. I know that is still QUITE a bit, but the gap is narrowing and the direction Ford is taking with their Manufacturing Facilities/Suppliers would seen to continue to bring the gap closer still.

I also find it amussing that Toyota gets a 'free pass' from most of the media and public with their trucks/SUV's concerning their gas mileage.

Now I know I drink too much Ford Blue "Kool-Aid" but just as with anything else falling down the mountain is always easier and faster than climbing up the mountain!

 

I'm not going to worry about 25 years down the road. By then, I will probably be back in diapers. Don't want to stain the Recaros when they finally come standard.

 

In fact, if the Cobra is as fast as I am expecting, I might be staining it within the next 2 years.

 

Two Words . . . . Seat Covers!!

 

for real, been driving 17 years (legally) and have had over 20 cars ok, this next one is going to last me untill I'm 55! This next car goes in 07 for a cobra.

 

07 sounds about right to me as well ... Unless I win the lottery.

 

New Car every 6 months..... Yaaaaa Baby!!

 

well an 06 in 08 souns bout right for me make a nice stable mate to the 85 that i have to have first

 

Good read. The boys at Ford are giving this car 3 times the normal amount of attention it seems. That can only work out better for us.

 

25 years is a long time...there may be a (aaaaarrrrrggggg) hybrid stang by then the way the gas situation is going. But seriously, Ford might be in trouble if the public doesn't flock to the new stang and the new 05 lineup of sedans. They're saying we (mustang/sports car fans) are the only ones excited!!! In fact Ford had been having negative growth for the past 3 months (July being the latest month reported). On a personal note...I think our growling GT's cruizing the highways will cause lots of ordinary citizens to get a V-6 just for the look. BILL FORD FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008! :usa:

 

That was a really good read. It's interesting to read something written about the Mustang by a non-car person.

-Brad